Alabama Gov. Proposes $500 Million to Improve Colleges and Schools

MONTGOMERY , Ala. — Alabama Gov. Bob Riley wants to spend $500 million from a budget surplus to make improvements at Alabama ‘s schools and colleges.

He told legislators that he has seen schools where bricks are falling off buildings. Riley said the state could afford to spend the money now on school construction and improvements because of economic growth over the last several years. Riley’s plan would distribute the money among Alabama ‘s school systems based on the number of students in each district.

As of press time, the proposal was in a House committee, and then would go to the full House and the Senate, if supported.